As Manchester City prepares for the high-stakes showdown against Liverpool this Sunday, February 8, 2026, Pep Guardiola is facing a challenging puzzle. While the squad boasts incredible depth, several key pillars of the team are currently sidelined, forcing the coaching staff to reconsider their tactical approach for the trip to Merseyside.
City currently sits in second place with 47 points, and securing a win at Anfield is vital to keeping their title charge on track. However, they must do so without several defensive and midfield stars.
Manchester City Injury and Suspension List
The medical department at the Etihad has been busy lately. Here is the latest status of the players missing from action:
- Josko Gvardiol: The Croatian defender is a confirmed absentee. He is still recovering from a tibia fracture sustained in early January and is expected to remain out for the foreseeable future.
- Jeremy Doku: The pacey winger is ruled out due to a persistent calf injury. His absence limits Guardiola’s options for stretching the play on the flanks.
- Mateo Kovacic: The midfielder remains sidelined with an ankle injury. His ability to control the tempo in the middle of the park will be missed in such a high-pressure environment.
- Savinho: The Brazilian attacker is still in the rehabilitation phase for an undisclosed injury and has not featured in the squad since the start of the year.
Late Fitness Tests and Returns
There is some light at the end of the tunnel for the Citizens, with a few key players nearing a return to the starting XI:
- Bernardo Silva: He is the biggest question mark for Sunday. After picking up a knock against Tottenham, he missed the recent cup tie. A late fitness test on Saturday afternoon will determine if he travels with the squad.
- Ruben Dias: In a major boost for the defense, Dias has returned to full training and is expected to lead the backline after appearing on the bench in the previous match.
- John Stones: While he has rejoined team training for the first time since December, he is unlikely to start. The coaching staff believes he needs more match fitness before facing an intensity like Liverpool’s.
- The Attack: Both Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush are fully fit and available. The Egyptian international, Marmoush, is in peak form after his recent brace, giving Guardiola a “happy headache” regarding who starts up front.
